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Opening remarks by the HR/VP for the EU-chaired UN side-event on Global Food Security and the Black Sea

23.09.2026 Press and information team of the Delegation to UKRAINE

Thank you for joining our event today on the Black Sea and global food security, where we are showcasing the EU’s call for a Black Sea grain arrangement with a moratorium on attacks.

Russia’s war of aggression has consequences that reach far beyond Ukraine.  Back in 2022, when the prices of agricultural products began to soar worldwide, it became clear to all the strategic importance of the Black Sea:

  • for global security,

  • for international trade,

  • for energy and food security.

Ukraine is one of the world’s most important agricultural exporters. It supplies:

  • 15% of global maize exports,

  • 10% of wheat,

  • 15–20% of barley, and 

  • 50% of global sunflower oil exports. 

Around 90% of these goods move through the Black Sea corridor, which remains the most important route for Ukrainian grain to reach international markets.

Since August, however, exports through the Black Sea have effectively ground to a halt. Yet again, Russia’s escalating attacks have made commercial shipping unviable.  The conflict in the Gulf, combined with the effects of climate change, are also stressing global food production and supply chains.

Food must never be used as a weapon of war, in the Black Sea or anywhere else. 

Wars make affordable food disappear from the dinner tables of millions of people around the planet. But the EU is helping reduce that impact. In 2025 alone, the EU mobilised 2.1 billion euro to strengthen food security globally, through both short-term relief and by supporting long-term resilience. 

In Ukraine specifically, the EU is helping to alleviate the immediate consequences by:

  • identifying grain storage options,

  • keeping farmers and agrifood SMEs afloat who cannot sell this year,

  • and facilitating border crossings for cargo.

Since May 2022, the EU Solidarity Lanes have facilitated trade to the tune of around 304 billion euro.  

However, the looming global food crisis demands a wider diplomatic solution.

Let’s look at what has worked in the past.

Between 2022 and 2023, the Black Sea Grain initiative was instrumental in stopping a global food security crisis from happening. I am glad we are joined today by OCHA, UNOPS and the World Food Programme to discuss what was done then, and what can be done now.

 

Together, the international community should encourage diplomatic efforts to:

  • ensure the safe passage of civilian vessels,

  • protect critical infrastructure, and

  • restore a vital global trade route.

And if Russia simply stopped its attacks in the Black Sea, farmers, traders and international food markets would have the predictability they need at this critical moment. 

On top of the Ukrainian calls for a full and unconditional ceasefire since March 2025, the presence of President Zelenskyy, I hope he can join, or Foreign Minister Sybiha with us today shows once more Ukraine and has been ready to work on a diplomatic solution that this specific issue requires.